(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Qatar's horses dominated at Deauville in France yesterday, prevailing in two Group 1s for Purebred Arabians, namely Al Rayyan Cup - Prix Kesberoy and Doha Cup - Prix Manganate.
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) general manager Nasser bin Sherida al-Kaabi was present and presented the trophies to the winners.
Marid takes Al Rayyan Cup
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani-owned Marid resisted well in order to win the 2,000m Al Rayyan Cup - Prix Kesberoy yesterday. In the early stages of the contest, Olivier Peslier-ridden three-year-old cantered in second position behind the leader and only filly in the field, Mashael, who led at a very low pace. Marid easily passed his rival and resisted well to Deryan's comeback to grab the spoils and land the title. 'He is not an easy horse, said trainer Antoine de Watrigant, 'but he is very good. In the last turn, he looked like he was cantering very easily. He was cold on his debuts. Since then, I took off the blinkers and he keeps going faster. I am happy that Alban (de Mieulle) trusts me and my team. We are very happy. He could go towards the race in Saint-Cloud a few days before the Arc.
Lately, Marid had finished third in the Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes (Gr2 PA).
Rajeh fights for Doha Cup
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani-owned Rajeh took home the Doha Cup - Prix Manganate (Gr1 PA) yesterday. Cantering at the back of the field, he accelerated in the middle of the track in the home straight with Khataab and Rodess du Loup. Fighting with Rodess du Loup for victory, Francois-Xavier Bertras-ridden Rajeh finally had the last word and won by three quarters of a length. Rodess du Loup finished second in front of third-placed Taymour.
'Last time, we were very disappointed, said trainer Francois Rohaut. 'We put blinkers on him. Last year everything was easy, but in 2018, we had to fight. Today, he's come a long way in a race without pace. He was the best three-year-old in 2017 and becomes the best four-year-old. I'm not sure I'm going to the big race at Paris Longchamp. His owner has many good horses. He [Rajeh] is four years old and we can eventually consider the Qatar Arabian World Cup for next year. We'll discuss it together. I believe that this year we have a large generation of four-year-olds. He still needs to mature. He does it on his quality. Maybe he could go on the Qatar Prix Dragon and then we'll see.
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